Introduction

Why draw and paint? Because it’s good for you and everyone can do it. Drawing and painting is calming and relaxing. It can also be really exciting when it’s going well, and can give you a great sense of achievement. It’s a wonderful way to record your travels and is a source of great pleasure. You don’t need to be specially gifted, either. All you need is confidence in your ability and that only comes through practice. If you want to improve at anything you must practise. You would hardly expect to be able to play a violin without training. Drawing and painting is no different – you have to learn.

The materials you will need comes down to personal choice. Practice and experience will guide you. However, I suggest you begin very simply with a ‘pocket sketching kit’ – all you really need to get started is a pen or pencil and a small sketchbook! 9